Background : The main factor related to gingival/periodontal problems in disabled individuals is the inadequacy of the plaque removal
from the teeth. Motor coordination problems and muscular limitation in neuromuscularly disabled individuals along with the difficulty in
understanding the importance of oral hygiene in mentally disabled individuals have resulted in the progression of inflammatory diseases.
Case report : This report describes a case of cerebral palsy child who developed gingival hyperplasia due to poor oral hygiene practices
which remarkably improved by proper motivation and adaptation of oral hygiene measures.
Conclusion : It is important that the caretakers especially mother is informed about the importance of maintaining proper oral hygiene and
the harmful effects of not doing so. It forms our duty to guide them towards maintaining good oral hygiene and thereby help in improving
overall health of these children.
Waldman HB. Almost four million children with disabilities. ASDC J Dent Child1995 May-Jun;62(3):205-209
The cause of drooling in children with cerebral palsy--hypersalivation or swallowing defect? Int J Paediatr Dent 2003 Mar;13(2):106-111
Swallowing dysfunction in the brain-damaged with drooling. Acta Otolaryngol 1974 Jul-Aug;78(1-2):141-149
An annotated review of the literature of dental caries and periodontal disease in mentally retarded individuals. Spec Care Dentist 1981 Mar-Apr;1(2):75-87
Periodontal disease and oral hygiene in trisomy 21. Arch Oral Biol 1971 Nov;16(11):1345-1355
The dental health of mentally and physically handicapped children: A review of the literature. Community Dent Health 1987 Jun;4(2):157-168
A comprehensive 30-month preventive dental health program in a pre-adolescent population with Down’s syndrome: A longitudinal study. Spec Care Dentist 1996 Jan-Feb;16(1):33-37
Age, degree of mental retardation, institutionalization, and socioeconomic status as determinants in the oral hygiene status of mentally retarded individuals. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 1980 Oct;8(7):355-359
Dental status of mentally retarded children. II. A survey of the prevalence of certain dental conditions in mentally retarded children in Georgia. J Public Health Dent 1967;27(4):195-211
A quantitative assessment of the oral hygiene of mentally retarded residents in a state institution. J Public Health Dent 1973;33(1):27-34
A paired comparison of dental care in Canadians with Down syndrome and their siblings without Down syndrome. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2004 Apr;32(2):99- 106
Evaluation of stannous fluoride and chlorhexidine sprays on plaque and gingivitis in handicapped children. J Clin Periodontol 1991 May;18(5):281-286
Periodontal treatment needs and oral hygiene for institutionalized individuals with handicapping conditions. Spec Care Dentist 1984 Jul-Aug;4(4):173-176
A single-use and 3-month clinical investigation of the comparative efficacy of a battery-operated power toothbrush and a manual toothbrush. Am J Dent 2001 Nov;14 Spec No:19B- 24B
Effect of chlorhexidine on dental plaque and gingivitis in mentally retarded children. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 1975 Nov;3(6):267-270
Hibitane in oral disease in handicapped patients. J Clin Periodontol 1977 Dec;4(5):102-107
A comparison of three delivery methods of chlorhexidine in handicapped children. I. Effects on plaque, gingivitis, and toothstaining. J Periodontol 1987 Jul;58(7):451-455
The effect of chlorhexidine mouthrinses on dental plaque and gingivitis in mentally retarded individuals. Clin Prev Dent 1985 Jan-Feb;7(1):26-28
Use of chlorhexidine gluconate for bacterial plaque prevention in children with cerebral palsy. Rev Assoc Paul Cir Dent 1980 May-Jun;34(3):220-225. (Port)
Chlorhexidine digluconate: An agent for chemical control and prevention of gingival inflammation. J Periodont Res 1986 Nov;21(suppl 16):74-89
Efficacy of Listerine, Meridol and chlorhexidine mouthrinses as supplements to regular tooth cleaning measures. J Clin Periodontol 1992 Mar;19(3):202-207
Long-term effects of Meridol and chlorhexidine mouthrinses on plaque, gingivitis, staining, and bacterial vitality. J Dent Res 1993 Aug;72(8): 1194-1197.